A MASSIVE sinkhole on Rinaldo Road has left residents concerned as a section of road has been blocked off, making it difficult to pass by oncoming traffic. Further concerns are that the sinkhole will continue to spread as the spring rains continue.
Glenhills resident Clayton Joseph said he is concerned about road safety.
“It is affecting us from a safety point of view. With the road not being fixed, it causes traffic to congest as the road narrows. It’s an accident waiting to happen. I think it’s urgent that the road is fixed as soon as possible. It’s a busy road and lots of trucks are going past and pedestrians are walking by. Motorists have to slow right down when driving through which is an inconvenience,” he said.
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Another resident Nishi Singh said the sinkhole causes congestion on the busy road.
“Rinaldo Road is used as an exit and entrance to Umhlanga Rocks Drive. In the morning and during peak time there is congestion and residents on Harrison Road can’t get out. Because it is a single lane, it is difficult to drive when there is oncoming traffic. You have to slow down and drive cautiously. I don’t know how many times a sink hole has appeared on Rinaldo Road. I can remember about four times when there have been sink holes there.”
“Since before the Covid-19 pandemic, the hole has been appearing and reappearing every time there is heavy rain. How long is it going to be until the whole road falls away?”
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Sing is also concerned about another sinkhole forming on Harrison Road.
“Harrison Road is also sinking in. It is covered for now, but it won’t be long before it comes back There was a water pipe burst on Harrison Road in March and while the pipe was fixed properly, the verge was not properly filled in so there’s a ditch there that is affecting the road. When there is heavy rain the water washes under the tar, not over. That’s how sinkholes form,” she said.
The eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela responds said the sinkhole on Rinaldo Road in the vicinity of Moreland Drive occurred during the recent heavy rainfall.
“It is suspected that a pipe or manhole may have broken or collapsed. It is not feasible to repair the roadway before the cause of the issue is addressed. The roadway has been cordoned off with new-jersey barriers to keep motorists away from the collapsed area, and signage has been installed on both directions. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. After the cause has been addressed, repairs will soon follow. We ask that motorists drive carefully in the vicinity of the affected roadway. We apologise for the inconvenience,” he added.
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